Suriname's squad for their debut at the ICC Americas Division 1 tournament has been severely weakened after US officials refused to grant entry visas for a significant number of its players.
A source has advised CricInfo that as many as 50% of the original squad has had to be replaced. It's not known whether captain and allrounder Troy Dudnauth is one of the players denied entry.
Suriname's participation had created interest ever since they surprisingly defeated Bahamas by 146 runs on the last day of Americas Division 2 tournament in Paramaribo in April.
As a result, Suriname won the tournament on run-rate and earned the Affiliate place in the Division 1 tournament previously filled by the Bahamas. Tony Munro
Posted by: Simon Butler at November 24, 2008 10:38 PM
This really is a sad situation as this tournament is a good chance for the minnow nations to gain some experience. I hope Suriname appeal the decision. It sounds as though based on recent results they could cause an upset or two.
Posted by: md at November 25, 2008 8:23 AM
Please edit your title, it says "Surname" not "Suriname" as (I assume) it should.
Cricinfo note: Thank you, this has been done.
Posted by: Naval Patel at November 25, 2008 11:20 AM
Does the tournament merit authenticity after such drastic culling of a qualified team for non-cricketing reasons? Can the event not be postponed and moved to a less bigoted country?
Posted by: rob heinen at November 25, 2008 11:38 AM
There never was and never will be room for decent sports in the us. There's always some group of people having to influence results. Sad.
Go Suriname!!!!
Posted by: Adeeb at November 25, 2008 9:24 PM
Visas worries are part of the reality of the world we live in. First world countries routinely deny visas to people from the rest of the world. While major teams playing major sports from major countries can at least get the visas, others have no such luck. What were the ICC thinking when they gave this tournament to the US?
Posted by: Mitchell Persaud at November 26, 2008 4:42 AM
I lived in Suriname for years and know the conditions there. I would be surprised in half the team returned home after the tournament is completed. But "Go Suriname."
Posted by: Walt at November 26, 2008 4:50 AM
The ICC was thinking "Lots of money in the US, let's have the tournament there. It may grow the US into a cricket market." It won't happen, but that's what they were thinking. I agree with Adeeb, visa issues are part of the world today, see West Indies trying to get into New Zealand. Probably some paperwork/technicality issue. It will get worked out in the end.
RSS feed
